Ole Miss Files Lawsuit Against Former Players Following Lane Kiffin to LSU

The University of Mississippi has escalated its dispute with former head coach Lane Kiffin by filing lawsuits against two football players who followed him to LSU. The breach-of-contract suit targets edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen and offensive lineman Devin Harper, alleging they failed to pay required buyouts after transferring. The school claims both players signed revenue-sharing agreements that mandated compensation if they departed before fulfilling their commitments.

According to a timeline released by Ole Miss, the university attempted to resolve the matter amicably, even contacting LSU for payment on the players' behalf. LSU reportedly denied the request, stating it was not a party to the contracts. The reported buyout amounts are just under $1 million. This legal action adds another layer of friction to the rivalry between the two schools, which intensified after Kiffin's departure for Baton Rouge.

The backdrop of this legal battle includes an ongoing NCAA investigation into allegations of tampering by Ole Miss involving a Clemson linebacker. The tension is expected to reach a fever pitch in Week 3 of the upcoming season when LSU travels to Oxford. The case highlights the increasingly litigious and contractual nature of the modern transfer portal and revenue-sharing era in college athletics.